Swiftcurrent Creek In the back of my mind, I'm still overseas;

@Arlette

 
The chill of the late autumn air bit at Morwenna’s fur as she moved carefully along Swiftcurrent Creek’s banks, her keen eyes trained on the earth for any sign of herbs. A familiar, earthy scent drifted from a patch of green sheltered by stone. Feverfew, she noted. Her jaw parted slightly as she bit down gently, careful to preserve its delicate leaves, and added it to the small bundle already clasped between her teeth.

This place had become her haven—a space that asked nothing of her other than to keep moving forward, even when that felt impossible. The Creek’s steady flow had a way of easing her thoughts, of drowning out the past as she worked. She’d made it her task to gather these herbs for her new pack, preparing stores for the harsher months ahead. Winter was unforgiving, she knew that well, and the effort felt almost soothing, like tending to an old wound that could never quite heal.

Stepping carefully over the stones, Morwenna continued her search, her gaze sharp and steady.

Arlette had noticed the shift into autumn, gone were the long days of summer. She made her way through the territory, her main goal was to return to her children after spending some time at the border. However as she was moving deeper into the territory she spotted one of her packmates. While it was often a quick chuff and an 'how are you' she realized that this was a new member to their ranks.

The pale female stopped while the female had herbs with her. Feverfew it seemed. Hello, you must be the new wolf, she greeted. I'm Arlette, she introduced herself. Gathering Feverfew?, she asked curiously. Another of their wolves being interested in herbs. She rather liked it, because they did have males that get injured all the time. She wasn't going to name names but she could name several.

Morwenna looked up, a gentle smile lifting her features as the pale wolf approached. The soft hues of autumn framed Arlette like a quiet warmth, and there was an openness in her expression that Morwenna found reassuring.

Yes, that’s right, she replied, dipping her head in a respectful greeting. I’m Morwenna. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Arlette.

At the mention of the Feverfew, she let out a small, sheepish chuckle, glancing down at the herbs gathered at her paws. I thought I might start with something simple, she explained warmly. I’ve always wanted to learn, and I thought perhaps, if you’re willing, you might share some of your knowledge. I’d like to learn as much as I can—it’s a new world for me, but a valuable one.

Her gaze softened, a quiet sincerity evident in her eyes.I think it would be an honor to help you tend to the needs of our pack.

The woman seemed very kind and respectful in her greeting. Her name was pretty, one she had not heard often before. Likewise, It is always nice to have some females joining the ranks, she shot her a grin. It was not a lie. She enjoyed Arric's company and that of Akavir as well, but sometimes it was just nice to have some females around. She hoped she would stick to swiftcurrent.

Yes, agree. When starting out it can be quite daunting, she nodded. She remembered when she first started that she felt completely overwhelmed with all the plants and possibilities. I am! I'd love to teach you. I will admit I enjoy the aspect of healing and puzzling what is wrong with a wolf more than tending to herbs and plants. That does not stop me from planting some plants in a garden. Another female started it and taught me a bit, she explained.

It is a honor and one also quite valued here in Swiftcurrent. Though, one also needs to learn to be strict because men can be big babies sometimes when things hurt, she chuckled.

Morwenna let out a warm chuckle, nodding along with Arlette’s words. Oh, you’re absolutely right about that! They truly can be big babies...yelping and squirming. she replied with a touch of humor, her eyes shining with shared understanding. It’s reassuring to know that you’ll be around, and I’d be grateful for your help.

As she spoke, Morwenna couldn’t help but glance subtly at Arlette’s frame, noting the evidence of her own sacrifices from whelping season. There was a shared experience there, one few could fully understand without living through it. I’m curious, though, about your own little ones, she added softly, a hint of warmth and understanding in her gaze. They must be quite the handful.

It was a welcome feeling, having another female to talk to. Morwenna could recognize a great woman amongst her, and it had her all the more inclined to get to know her. She felt a potential there, one that could be sowed into something beautiful.

Arlette had to smile when the female agreed with her. She loved her man of course, but because she had a certain fondness for them she was allowed to say it. I'd be happy to share what I know. I'd rather have more wolves know a bit than nothing at all. Sometimes it can save a life.

Arlette's brows raised when she started about her children. She wanted to get defensive for a moment but quickly calmed down her first instinct to do so. I guess you recognize the tired mother look?, she asked with a light tease, no illness behind it. Arlette showed her a smile. They are better now they know to stay put, she admitted. What also is a great is that my mate Arric is very involved as well. So we are with the two of us wrangling four instead of just one set of eyes trying to manage four, she admitted.

The only thing what was starting to show is that her children would outgrow her within a few months. She was pretty sure after this winter most if not all four would exceed her height. Arric was to blame for that she figured. I assume you had pups of your own?

Morwenna listened with a softness in her gaze, a glimmer of familiarity warming her features. Hearing Arlette speak of her mate and their shared vigilance over their brood stirred something long dormant within her. Once, she too had been in such company—her own offspring beneath her watch, their lives delicate but fiercely protected. How vivid those memories seemed in her mind, and yet, how achingly distant, as if she were recalling the life of another wolf entirely.

She nodded, her voice touched by nostalgia, Yes, I’ve had litters of my own… though it feels like a lifetime ago. The words were both admission and bittersweet remembrance, softened by her joy for Arlette and the newness that surrounded her family. It was a comfort to see such devotion between mates, a reassurance that, while her days of motherhood were behind her, the legacy of care endured in wolves like Arlette and Arric.

Your offer to share what you know is a gift I’d gladly accept. I still have much to learn, even after everything. The thought of learning again, of holding a place in the thriving life around her, lifted her spirit.

Arlette recognized the bittersweet tone, and perhaps even subconsciously the longing look coming from the female. Arlette had been there as well, in fact, when she came to Swiftcurrent she felt pretty much without purpose. She stepped forward. Life has not ended yet, she assured her and quirked up her lips. When I came here it was only because a daughter resided here. I would just strengthen and assist her with her pregnancy. If you would have told me then I would find love, and a home, and have another litter I would have laughed, she pressed. She wanted to give the female some hope. Sometimes life throws things at you, you don't expect. For her it had been the dynamic duo of Arric and Akavir that had made her feel valued and part of the pack. To then even find love in one of them.

I could show you the garden we have now?, she offered. There are some basics in there, she offered. She would start with plants. Perhaps you can tell me which one you can identify, she suggested. It would give her some knowledge on how much the female would know.

Morwenna’s gaze softened, drawn by Arlette’s unexpected invitation and warmth. She didn’t speak for a long moment, her heart stilled by the quiet notion that perhaps her life, once so fractured and desolate, might still hold the promise of renewal. It was as though Arlette’s words had sparked something deep within, an ember not yet extinguished. She dipped her head, masking the tentative smile with a short, gentle laugh.

Don’t be surprised if I get them all wrong, she murmured, the faintest quiver of hope lacing her tone, before falling in step behind Arlette. Her gaze drifted across the path ahead, a sense of yearning touching her expression as she followed to the garden, where vibrant life flourished with abandon. In this moment, Morwenna felt perhaps she might, too, find herself capable of growth, even if she was unsure how or where that path would lead.

Arlette’s steady steps and the patient warmth radiating from her presence filled Morwenna with a subtle, cautious optimism, something she hadn’t allowed herself in quite some time.

Arlette started to guide them towards the garden, it was only a short walk from here. She took the lead as Morwenna spoke. There is nothing wrong with not being able to identify all the plants yet. Then you at least know what they aren't, she spoke with a hint of a smile. She glanced over her shoulder towards the female. Arlette liked to keep things positive. Mistakes help up learn, she added. Soon a huff followed. Sometimes I sound like an old grandma, she sighed but there was some truth in it.

The forest opened up, close to the river bank. There a random assortment of plants were placed. Some plants were doing better than others. She had to admit to that. There were several plants growing. Mainly burdock for their roots. Marigolds had been planted but were pretty much died off. Arlette was hopeful it returned in spring. If not she would just replace it. The Chamomile was doing surprisingly well still, but she figured once the first snows came it might not survive. By the riverbank reeds, cattails were growing as well, naturally. She just liked them close to the garden as well. Arlette smiled as she stopped by the feverfew brush. Alright, try it, she offered encouragingly.

Morwenna followed Arlette’s lead with quiet grace, her steps measured as they neared the riverbank where the garden lay—a patchwork of plants and blossoms in various states of life. Arlette’s words hung in the air—a touch of wisdom, warm and light-hearted. Morwenna’s lips curved into a small, almost wistful smile as she listened, taking solace in the elder wolf’s positivity.

When Arlette stopped by the feverfew, Morwenna’s gaze settled on it instantly, a flicker of recognition lighting her eyes. She didn’t hesitate, leaning in to study the small, white-petaled flowers with practiced ease.

Feverfew, she murmured, the word soft but certain. I’ve used it before. Her voice held the weight of familiarity, memories of long, quiet hours spent tending to those in pain, her paws dusted with the scent of herbs. She let her gaze linger on the plant a moment longer before turning to Arlette, a glimmer of appreciation in her eyes.

This garden is beautiful. There was warmth in her tone, a silent acknowledgment of the care Arlette put into the garden and each plant she had brought here. For a brief moment, Morwenna allowed herself to feel at ease, surrounded by the earth’s quiet remedies and the gentle camaraderie shared with her guide.

Arlette smiled kindly when she had it right. She knew that Morwenna wouldn't get this one wrong as it was the one she had been holding when Arlette ran into her. Very good, clearly a natural, she complimented. Of course it was a kind start for her.

The beta felt bashful when the garden was compliment. It is not my doing. Our... former Alpha female started the garden. I just took away the brown leaves and such, she admitted modestly. Eshe had started it all, and she was the botanist truly. Arlette felt she knew the basics. She would try and add plants herself but not all were so successful.

Any other plants you recognize?, she asked, curious if the female knew more. Otherwise she would give her a tour.

Morwenna offered a gentle smile, her gaze warm with appreciation at Arlette's encouragement. Thank you, Arlette, she murmured, feeling a quiet pride in the compliment, though the bashfulness in her mentor's own tone did not go unnoticed. There was a soft reverence in the way Arlette spoke of the garden and of the former Alpha who had cultivated it, a woman who she did not know. Morwenna sensed the respect and admiration woven into her words.

Will you tell me about her? she asked softly, her curiosity piqued but her tone gentle, cautious not to pry too deeply. It must be quite a legacy she left here. She let the sentiment hang, allowing Arlette to share what she wished of the former Alpha, aware of the honor that lingered in her mentor's words.

Turning back to the greenery, Morwenna's gaze settled on a small, delicate plant nestled near the roots of a larger shrub. She tilted her head, recognizing the slender leaves and faint, minty aroma. Is that pennyroyal? she asked, a slight smile playing on her lips as she looked back to Arlette, eager to learn more.

Arlette paused for a moment and then nodded more quietly. She called herself Eshe, Arlette started. She was interested in healing and botany as well. She started this garden and taught me how to care for it when she started. This was before she became our alpha female, because she became mates with Akavir. She left a legacy but a different one you might think... She left Akavir when they had an argument about pups, or having them to be exact. The whole process was quite tough to see the effect it had on Akavir and well, the pack, she admitted.

Memories of her are with a mixed feeling for me. In the one had, this garden, and the other the hurt. She didn't leave just Akavir, but also us. She was my friend and suddenly she was gone, leaving most confused and a little broken hearted. Except for Arric, though Arlette wouldn't add that. It wasn't needed for the explanation. Arlette then turned to Morwenna and the plant she had settled on. Is it? I didn't know the name or usage of that one, she admitted. I am also not sure if it is part of the garden or already just there, she chuckled. Pennyroyal, you say? Do you know how to use it?

Morwenna listened with care, her silver eyes soft as Arlette recounted the story of Eshe. The name carried weight now, tied to both the beauty of the garden and the pain of abandonment. So, Eshe had argued over pups? And just… left?

Her ears flattened slightly, a physical display of the sorrow she felt for Arlette and the pack. Losing a friend was never easy, and it was clear that Eshe’s departure had left a profound impact. That must have been hard, she said softly, her voice steady but full of empathy. For you and for Akavir. Friends are like roots—they ground us. Losing one can feel as if the earth itself shifts beneath you.

She lowered her gaze to the plant before her, shifting the conversation as if to lighten the weight of Arlette’s reflections. Pennyroyal, she repeated, the name soft on her tongue. It’s a potent herb, though it must be used carefully. It can repel insects and soothe topical ailments when prepared properly. However, she glanced at Arlette, her expression serious, it can also be harmful if mishandled—especially in large doses. It’s not one to be used lightly.

Her gaze lingered on the delicate leaves of the pennyroyal. A plant so small, yet capable of such power. Perhaps there was a lesson in that, she mused silently, before returning her attention to Arlette with a gentle nod of encouragement. This garden holds more than just plants. It’s a reflection of those who have cared for it—and those who still do.